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What matters to me most? It is the ones that I love.

22/4/2018

 
Lily-Healing-For-Grieving-Hearts

It has been two weeks of emotional stress. A good friend was so kind to bring me a plant as a late birthday gift. 

What we both didn't realize or knew was that it can be a fatal idea to bring a lily into a household with pets. 

Our cat got sick. First we didn't realize how serious it was. She vomited. She had the shakes. And then she stopped eating.

That was the moment I took her to the vet. When I told the doctor about all the symptoms she immediately asked: Do you have any lilies in your household?

The answer was unfortunately yes.

The blood and kidney levels had to be checked. The results were bad. I had to bring our cat to the emergency clinic. And she had to stay there for two days on IV fluids to flush out the toxins. 

Then she came home and every night we had to put her back on the drip to get 150 ml under her skin. (Not a pleasant experience for all of us.)

Our cat is now much better and soon we can stop the regular IV drip. She does eat normal again and is enjoying the outside. 

Why do I tell you this story? 

The anticipatory grief was sometimes overwhelming. Blaming myself that I didn't know about the harm lilies can cause didn't help either. 

I was reminded how fast a life can be lost. How fast a situation can change. That I can't keep everyone safe. 

It also made me realize again what matters to me most. It is the ones that I love. 

If you know what I mean go and give your loved ones a hug.

Tell them that you love them.

And keep lilies away from pets. 

Take good care,
Jacqueline

PS: Do you know how many poisonous house plants there are? Here is an impressive list.

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Are you wondering how you can cherish your memories and honour your loved one?

2/7/2017

 
Share your Memories - HealingForGrievingHearts.com


Are you wondering how you can cherish your memories and honour your loved one?

A friend of mine shared the following story last week on Facebook. 

When my father passed away quite a few years ago my mother asked us if we would like to have something of his to remember him by. 

I chose his dress shoes as they remind me of when he would take each of my siblings and I out to dinner separately. Wonderful conversation while dining and having him all to myself for an evening. 

I keep the shoes on a beam above my head in the studio where I paint . I have only taken them down once when our son Jack needed to wear them for a play he was in ( he has since out grown them).

I took them down again last weekend and polished them up for our daughters prom date to wear. Not only did my dad get to be at his granddaughters prom but he got to dance with her as well. ❤️



Just in case you wondered. I asked her if it would be OK to share her story with you. 

This was her answer: My father was a lovely man who loved and supported his four daughters in every way. I am and know he would be honoured if you shared this story.

If you have a similar story that you would like to share get in touch.
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If you want to create rituals yourself and the many ways you can honour your loved one join the Healing Rituals online course. 

Click the link to find out more at Healing Rituals. 


Honesty

16/6/2015

 
I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that.  ~Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking


Last Saturday, I was a presenter and exhibitor at a wellness expo. The expo was held in conjunction with a fundraiser for the local Health Centre. The fundraiser has a long history and the organizers thought it would be great to add another component to the fun kayak and walk/run event this year. The event is all about having a joyful healthy day outside on the lake and on the trails while supporting a good cause. 



When I was asked to present I felt really good (as you can imaging (smile) and didn’t ask myself if this was the right place to talk about grief and the healing aspects of taking action steps. I only saw ‘Health Centre’ and didn’t take a closer look at the event itself.



The closer the event came the less confident I felt that this was a good fit. 



Instead of being honest with myself and getting in touch with the organizers to discuss my doubts I kept going. I had committed to the event and this meant I had to do it.



The whole event was outside and it rained. I mean it poured! The schedules where changed to allow time for the activities and my presentation got cancelled. I was relieved. 



Although I had some great conversations with volunteers about grief, my gut feeling had been right. I am glad that I went and experienced the fun people where having on the lake despite the rain. I am considering to participate next year as a paddler. (smile) 



Why do I use this story?



When it comes to honesty it doesn’t matter what the story is about. It can be about a friendship that we don’t feel comfortable with anymore, a job that doesn’t excite us, a commitment we made years ago, pain that we ignore etc.... 



Taking steps to change things, feelings, relationships needs first a honest look at where we are at. Ignoring our inner voice might not longer be an option. 



Take an honest and loving look at your life today and write down what you would want to change or enhance in your life. 



Then take a small step towards the new you. 



Blessings,

Jacqueline

    Author

    Jacqueline Steudler is an Art Therapist and Grief Recovery Specialist®.
    ​
    Her program 
    Healing For Grieving Hearts enables you to move from overwhelming grief to a new sense of purpose. The program includes mindful action steps and therapeutic art interventions. Jacqueline facilitates the program in person or by Zoom. 
    http://www.healingforgrievinghearts.com

    Book a FREE 30-minute call.

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​Halifax, NS  B3K 3V4
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